REQUEST FOR RESIDENTIAL GUARD COVERAGE AT DCM

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASHGABAT 000420 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/OPO/FPD AND DS/IP/SCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/03/2018 TAGS: APER ASEC SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR RESIDENTIAL GUARD COVERAGE AT DCM RESIDENCE REF: A. SIMAS REPORTS 129974 ¶B. 133406 ¶C. 134357 ¶D. 136135 Classified By: Robert Rochowiak, RSO, for reason 1.5 (c). ¶1. (U) This is an action request: please see paragraph 2. ¶2. (U) Post requests a permanent 24/7 residential guard post (5821) Non-ICASS Residential Security) at the Deputy Chief of Mission Residence (DCR). Post's FY 2009 Field Budget Plan will account for this increase in staff. ¶3. (SBU) Due to recent surveillance observed and other events as described in paragraph 4 and 5 at the DCR, the RSO office implemented a temporary guard post on 02/21/08, pending an official approval from DS. ¶4. (C) On December 28, 2007, the DCM reported to RSO a possible surreptitious entry into her residence. The DCM indicated that she noticed possible tampering with her personal home computer telephone line (paint found on the telephone cable). After a further examination of the residence , the DCM could not determine if there was anything else that appeared to be unusual. The RSO conducted an investigation of the incident and could not positively determine if an entry took place. The DCM further reported to RSO that nothing was missing and nothing unusual was noticed on her home computer to include her files and software. ¶5. (SBU) On January 5, 2008, the Embassy Mobile Patrol observed an apparent broken down police vehicle that was suspiciously parked near the DCR. The vehicle was apparently parked in that location for approximately 3 hours. (SIMAS 129974). - On February 6, 2008, the Embassy Mobile Patrol observed a suspicious person in a parked vehicle near the DCR. When the Mobile Patrol initially passed the vehicle, the occupant appeared to be checking his watch and looking around the area. When the Mobile Patrol returned to the DCR, approximately 20 minutes later, they noticed that the vehicle was moved and parked next to the fence of the DCR and the occupant was outside the vehicle looking around the area of the DCR. (SIMAS 136135). - Repeated observations of surveillance around the Embassy Residential compound and Chief of Mission residence. (SIMAS 129974, 134357, reports on file with RSO). ¶6. (SBU) Post currently has a Charge, with no specific time frame on when a full time Ambassador will be assigned. During the periods of the Charge's absence, the DCM serves as the Charge. There is no indication of when the Charge will depart post, and for how long the DCM will serve as the Charge in his absence, pending the arrival of a new Ambassador. ¶7. (SBU) Specific issues with the DCR include: - No full time permanent guard post. Since the DCR is located approximately 3 miles from the residential compound, post does not have the Embassy guard resources available during each shift to immediately position guard support at the DCR without reducing the already minimal coverage provided at other Embassy locations. - Only one Mobile Patrol unit is available at any given time to respond to over 30 different residences spread throughout the city. - No full-time local police support at the DCR. ¶8. (U) Point of contact for this information is RSO Robert Rochowiak. HOAGLAND